California vehicle inspection
Smog Check every two years
Requirement Every two years Checked November 2026
What you actually have to do
Required as part of registration renewal, and again whenever the vehicle changes ownership or is first registered in the state. Your DMV renewal notice tells you whether your cycle requires it and whether it must be done at a STAR station.
Emissions
Yes — this is the inspection. There is no separate safety inspection for private cars.
What it costs
Set by the station, not by the state. Budget roughly $50–$100 for a passing test; repairs to pass are on you.
Source
Related
The two other things a state checks: California window tint limits and California EV registration surcharge.
Checked November 2026.